Washington- The government is cracking down on decorative contact lenses, from the wild-eyed Halloween look to lenses imprinted with sports logos, that are sold without a prescription, calling them illegal products that could cause blindness.

The Food and Drug Administration began stopping imports of the decorative lenses at U.S. borders yesterday, and said it will seize unapproved lenses sold in convenience stores, flea markets and other spots.

The FDA cited dozens of reports of corneal ulcers, abrasions that can rapidly lead to vision-threatening infections, and other eye injuries linked to the products.  In some cases, the agency said, corneal transplants were required to save eyesight.

Consumers should not wear decorative contact lenses unless they are properly prescribed and fitted by an eye-care professional, the FDE said in a warning issued late yesterday.

The agency recently completed an investigation that found widespread illegal sales of decorative lenses along the East Coast and to a lesser extent else where in the country, said FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester Crawford.

The FDA urged consumers who have had problems with decorative contact lenses to notify state agency office or call 1-800-332-1088.

By Lauran Neergaard

Associated Press

Lexington Herald-Leader